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Regional hiringpublishedExternal employer
BZBlackpool Zoo
Blackpool ZooZoological Park

Senior Mammals Keeper

Location

Blackpool, North West, United Kingdom

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

5-10 years

Compensation

£29.6K - £29.6K per year

Posted

2h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Senior Mammals Keeper will oversee the daily care, management, and enrichment of a diverse animal collection at Blackpool Zoo, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare. This role involves supervising and mentoring other keepers, collaborating with veterinary staff, and engaging with the public through educational talks.

Overview

Blackpool Zoo is seeking an experienced Senior Mammals Keeper to join its Mammal team and support the continued development of the Animal Department. The role involves daily care and husbandry of a diverse mammal collection, including species ranging from Cotton-top Tamarins to Asian Elephants. The successful candidate will provide leadership, training, and guidance to other keepers while maintaining high standards of animal welfare, health, safety, and husbandry.

Role Overview

The Senior Mammals Keeper will support the care, management, enrichment, and welfare of animals within the section. The role requires strong knowledge of zoological practices, experience with a wide range of mammal species, and the ability to work safely and confidently with animals. Positive reinforcement and effective animal training techniques are an important part of the role.

The successful candidate will supervise and mentor other keepers and may manage the section in the absence of the Department Manager. There may also be opportunities to contribute to Category 1 species management, operational planning, emergency preparedness, staff development, and departmental projects.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily animal care, including feeding, cleaning, observation, health monitoring, and general husbandry.

  • Develop and implement enrichment programs that encourage natural behaviors and promote animal welfare.

  • Supervise, train, mentor, and support seasonal keepers, trainee keepers, and animal keepers.

  • Promote consistent best practices and high standards of animal care across the section.

  • Work closely with veterinary staff to monitor animal health and support appropriate treatment and care.

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of animal care, health, behavior, training, and welfare.

  • Use positive reinforcement techniques to support animal training and husbandry procedures.

  • Engage visitors through educational talks, demonstrations, and interactive experiences.

  • Support departmental operational planning, emergency preparedness, and special projects.

  • Assist with the management and operational procedures associated with Category 1 species where appropriate.

  • Take responsibility for managing the section when the Department Manager is absent.

  • Promote effective teamwork, communication, safety, and continuous improvement within the department.

Requirements

  • Minimum 5 years of professional animal keeping experience.

  • Experience working with a broad range of mammal taxa.

  • Experience with Category 1 species such as elephants, big cats, or apes is desirable.

  • Extensive knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare, enrichment, and behavioral management.

  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and motivate colleagues.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Strong understanding of zoological industry standards and animal welfare requirements.

  • Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or an equivalent qualification.

  • Full UK driving licence.

  • Proven ability to work confidently and safely with a diverse range of mammal species.

Updated 2h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Animal Welfare • 1+ yrs
Enrichment Programs • 1+ yrs
Team Management • 1+ yrs
Mentoring • 1+ yrs
Positive Reinforcement • 1+ yrs
Record Keeping • 1+ yrs
Public Engagement • 1+ yrs

Experience

5-10 years

Certifications

Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) • Required
Full UK driving licence • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

£29.6K - £29.6K per year

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyGBP
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationBlackpool, North West, United Kingdom
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh8/10
physicalHigh8/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh9/10
creativityMedium7/10
uncertaintyMedium7/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Blackpool Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Blackpool, North West, United Kingdom

Blackpool Zoo is part of Parque Reunidos, one of Europe’s leading owners and operators of leisure attractions. With over 50 years of experience, it delivers authentic, memorable experiences to millions of visitors each year.

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Senior Mammals Keeper

Blackpool, North West, United KingdomFull Time